Remote video monitoring

LENSEC, the provider of IP-based video surveillance management, announces the release of its perspective VMS Version 4.4.1 that will provide users access to integrations with intrusion, access control, and video surveillance companies and the ability to pair critical video data with input sensors from access control and intrusion detection platforms. In consecutive months, LENSEC has released Version 4.4.0 and 4.4.1 to allow customers access to a broad array of new features and integrations within its Unified Security Management Platform. Security management platform Perspective VMS® (PVMS) is the central component of a security management platform, allowing users to access critical security and business operations data via a video-centric interface, pairing live or archived video data feeds with various integrated security or building automation components. The releases of PVMS 4.4 allows users access to new and/or improved integrations with DMP The releases of PVMS 4.4 allows users access to new and/or improved integrations with DMP (Intrusion and Access Control), Open Options’ DNA Fusion Access Control, CredoID Access Control, RS2 Access It! Access Control, and Axis Body Worn Camera Systems. The PVMS 4.4 release also introduces new methods of archive video playback leveraging WebAssembly (Wasm) for large megapixel cameras with higher frame rates, allowing for faster archive playback and review. Several user interface modifications were made as well to improve the overall user experience for novice and advanced users. A complete list of features can be found on LENSEC’s website. Additional body cameras “PVMS 4.4.x allows users an improved opportunity to take advantage of integrated sub-systems, pairing critical video data with input sensors from various access control platforms and intrusion detection,” says LENSEC’s Chief Product Officer, Jeff Kellick. “Of note, the integration with the Axis Body Worn Camera system is a huge benefit to districts or municipalities leveraging video evidence on behalf of their officers and staff with the ability for retrieval and review directly within Perspective VMS.” “This integration also allows for a combination of evidence data points within a single interface. Along with the body camera video, users or operators have side-by-side (synchronized) access to additional body cameras, fixed cameras, PTZ cameras, audio, as well as integrated sensor data, all of which allows for a more complete investigation of events.” Perspective VMS® Version 4.4 is available for download now. Existing users can contact their systems integrators for support or upgrades of their current version.

Acronis, the pioneer in cyber protection, appoints cloud software and hosting industry veteran Patrick Pulvermueller as Chief Executive Officer, effective as of 1st July 2021. Pulvermueller succeeds Serguei Beloussov, who founded the company in 2003 and has served as CEO since 2013. Pulvermueller joins Acronis from GoDaddy, where he most recently served as President of the Partner Business. In that role, he led the company’s strategic expansion of its hosting, productivity, and security services through resellers and agency partners. Leveraging remote monitoring Combining that experience with his product development expertise, Pulvermueller is an expert in developing successful, cloud-based go-to-market strategies, particularly through service providers, resale channels, and strategic alliances. He previously held Executive Leadership roles as CEO of Host Europe GmbH and Group CEO of Host Europe Group (HEG), where he previously served as Group COO. Pulvermueller is an expert in developing successful, cloud-based go-to-market strategies “I am excited to join the Acronis team, engage with our tremendous partner network, and continue Serguei’s vision of providing industry-changing cyber protection services,” said Pulvermueller. “Acronis is poised to disrupt the data protection and cybersecurity markets while redefining how service providers leverage remote monitoring and management (RMM) and professional services automation (PSA) services. I look forward to contributing my knowledge and experience in the service provider business to ensure we take full advantage of that opportunity.” Managed service providers Pulvermueller takes over at a pivotal time. Acronis just received over $250 million in an investment round including CVC Capital Partners VII and others, which values the company at more than $2.5 billion. In addition to accelerating its technology and product development, the company plans to leverage that investment to further enhance its go-to-market initiatives – an area in which Pulvermueller has deep expertise – by expanding its broad partner network, which includes managed service providers (MSPs), managed security service providers (MSSPs), hosting partners, cloud distributors, cloud aggregators, network service providers, and others. Channel-Centric environment Acronis is on a tremendous growth trajectory thanks to the cyber protection strategy put in motion by Serguei" Acronis Chairman of the Board of Directors, René Bonvanie, noted “Having added more than $1.5 billion in valuation during the past 18 months, Acronis is on a tremendous growth trajectory thanks to the cyber protection strategy put in motion by Serguei. Given Patrick’s demonstrated expertise in helping rapid growth companies scale and proven success in a channel-centric environment, we are confident he will accelerate Acronis’ success and prepare the company for the next stage.” As Acronis’ Founder and largest shareholder, Serguei Beloussov will continue to be involved in the company as a Member of the Board of Directors and Acronis Chief Research Officer, directing the technology and research strategy. He will focus on the company’s advanced technologies, including autonomous research, data management, cyber network, cyber platform, and enterprise products. University relations program He will also focus on developing Acronis’ university relations program, including with the Schaffhausen Institute of Technology (SIT) in Switzerland, which he co-founded in 2019. In making the announcement, he said, “I’m proud of Acronis’ success to date and believe now is the perfect time to pass the baton to Patrick.” “We did an extensive search for an outstanding leader and Patrick’s track record of success, partner-led approach, and operational expertise were obvious strengths. He has the experience to continue pushing Acronis’ mission, improve our operations, and build a multi-billion dollar revenue stream – taking the organization, the product portfolio, and our partnerships to the next level.”

For those looking for a new and intelligent approach to fire detection, AVIOTEC, the artificial intelligence-based fire detection camera from Bosch Security Systems, detects fires quickly and reliably in challenging settings, such as dusty, humid, and dark areas. It is vital to detect fire as early as possible. AVIOTEC is an IP camera with built-in video analytics. The trained algorithm detects flames and smoke directly at the source. The device can, therefore, detect fires faster than a common point-type detector on a ceiling. AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera The fire detection camera offers a lot of advantages in challenging environments. Bosch Security Systems’ AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera can be deployed in varied conditions, including: Ambient Conditions - Dust, dirt, and condensation obstruct the reliable operation of standard detectors. When installed in the housing, AVIOTEC works reliably and with low maintenance effort in these conditions, in order to ensure reliable fire monitoring. High Ceilings - Smoke dilutes before it reaches the ceiling detectors. Airflow and ventilation blows smoke away. AVIOTEC detects fires where they start, enabling immediate alarm verification. This speeds up reaction times and improves rescue response. Light Conditions – Darkness/low light/changing light conditions. Separate additional infrared illumination allows for the monitoring of unlit applications and of premises during nighttime. The system switches automatically between night mode and day mode, depending on whether ambient light is below or above a pre-defined threshold. Changing Crowd Activity - AVIOTEC offers scheduled sensitivity adjustments for fire detection, enabling up to three individual surveillance modes, depending on the activity levels of the monitored areas and the time of the day. Half-Open Spaces - Detecting fires in half open spaces is hard due to wind influences. AVIOTEC offers outdoor fire detection close to buildings, where almost no other detection technology is available. It enables the detection of smoke and flames also in windy circumstances. The Artificial Intelligence-based algorithm reduces unwanted false alarms and optimizes detection reliability. Video-based fire detection AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera is machine learning and AI-enabled to offer enhanced smoke and flame detection Video-based fire detection is based on the capability of various analysis techniques that examine live images for fires. Compared to infrared and thermal imaging cameras, AVIOTEC uses optical analyses to detect flames and smoke. The fire detection technology has grown in its variety of applications and stability, over the last few years, thanks to the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera is machine learning and AI-enabled to offer enhanced smoke and flame detection. Deployed for varied applications Bosch Security Systems’ AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera can be deployed for a wide range of applications, such as: Paper mills - Being independent of ceiling height and the video image, AVIOTEC can monitor the production process. Installed in housing, it is resistant to ambient influences and contributes to very early detection, thereby preventing the fires from spreading and becoming devastating. Airports - Due to high ceilings, it is difficult to monitor airport hangars with traditional detection methods, as they cause many false alarms and are not fast reactive. With the combination of flame and smoke recognition, AVIOTEC goes beyond video smoke detection and enables users to identify a fire very early at the ground, before it spreads. Industry/Warehouses - During the nighttime, burglars can spy on possible intrusion targets due to missing visible light or light sources. There is a need for a fire detection solution for the premise that also detects fire hazards when no visible illumination is used. AVIOTEC combines intelligent video analytics to track down intruders without visible light. Thanks to separate additional infrared illumination, unlit applications can be monitored with video-based fire detection, so as to deliver pin-sharp images. Tunnels - Through air circulation in tunnels, linear heat detectors can have the problem of not detecting fires at all. AVIOTEC can detect even if smoke and heat move sideways. It is not only an effective fire detection solution but also works as a security camera in parallel, using the automatic incident detection from the known Bosch cameras. Stopping cars, pedestrians in tunnels, cars moving in the wrong direction, lost objects, line crossing are some examples for analytics, which can run in parallel to fire detection. By offering different lens options, AVIOTEC ensures effective detection up to 100 meters distance from the camera installation point. This enables the combination of intelligent video analytics, fire and long-distance detection in one device. Additional benefits of the AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera include: Redundant alarm transmission - AVIOTEC delivers the possibility of redundant alarm transmission. On top, during a network shutdown, the camera relay transmits the fire alarm to the fire detection system. Analytics inside - Choose AVIOTEC to ensure that data processing is under control. A local, camera-based image processing analyses video sequences for fires, without giving data out of the application/network. Highest quality - The coordination of camera, optics, algorithms, and accessories gives the best results, even in harsh environments. AVIOTEC facilitates trust in constant performance, even in changing environmental conditions and bad illumination. Certified - AVIOTEC is VdS certified. In Australia, AVIOTEC is certified according to the CSIRO standard. Free firmware update - Download the latest firmware version from the catalog – free of charge.

IDnow, a German-based leader in identity verification-as-a-service solutions announced that it has agreed to acquire ARIADNEXT, a French company specializing in remote identity verification and digital identity creation. With IDnow and ARIADNEXT joining forces, the companies can provide one comprehensive identity verification platform, ranging from AI-driven to human-assisted technology and from online to point-of-sale verification options. The combination further increases the services IDnow offers to the UK, French and German markets, as well as to international customers with identity verification needs across several jurisdictions and use cases. Frictionless user experience On the back of the strong adoption of digital identity products, IDnow expects to increase revenue 3x in 2021 versus 2019 and is on track to continue accelerating this growth momentum. Since the beginning of the pandemic, IDnow has seen an extraordinary increase in demand for their solutions. IDnow's products have been used 200% more compared to last year and many companies have decided to switch to fully digital application processes. The integration of ARIADNEXT, whose service usage has increased more than 130% per year over the last 5 years, will help to meet this rising demand by providing an outstanding, frictionless user experience. Identity verification "This combination with ARIADNEXT is an important step towards our vision of building the pan-European leader for identity verification-as-a-service solutions," said Andreas Bodczek, CEO of IDnow. Identity verification is critical for banks, insurers, mobility companies, and others to shift towards safe, automated solutions "Identity verification saw a major turn towards digitalization over the past decade and this trend has been further accelerated by the pandemic. It is now critical for banks, insurers, mobility companies, and others to shift towards safe, automated solutions.” “With ARIADNEXT, in addition to our recent acquisition of identity Trust Management AG, IDnow can provide our customers with an even broader suite of products through a single platform with a seamless user experience."  Working towards a future-proof solution "We are looking forward to joining a team of IDnow's caliber, combining our experience and skills to work towards our shared vision of providing a pan-European secure and future-proof solution to customers," said Guillaume Despagne, President of ARIADNEXT. "With a strong presence in Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, and Romania, our combined product portfolios create an unmatched platform for customers across the European market." IDnow will retain ARIADNEXT's locations in Rennes, Paris, Madrid, Bucharest, Iasi, and Warsaw, as well as its over 125 employees. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals.

Videoloft’s cloud video surveillance platform provides users with a powerful yet highly cost-effective remote recording solution while providing resellers with a new potential revenue stream to add to their offering portfolio. For large surveillance system users, Videoloft’s cloud video surveillance solution provides affordable secure offsite video backup. For SMBs (small and medium businesses), Videoloft’s ability to record up to 8MP direct to the cloud provides a powerful remote standalone storage solution. Budget solution Both applications provide system integrators and resellers with a versatile VSaaS (video software as a solution) for virtually any size system or vertical application. A key benefit of VSaaS solutions is that they can be positioned as an operating expense (OPEX) versus a capital expense (CAPEX), making it easier for users to budget the solution as an ongoing expense for operations rather than a large single one-time investment. Versatile and cost-efficient Cloud video surveillance platform provides users and resellers alike with versatility and cost-efficiency “Our cloud video surveillance platform provides users and resellers alike with the ideal combination of features, versatility, and cost-efficiency,” said Joanna Santander, Director of Sales & Business Development, Videoloft. “As the need and demand for VSaaS cloud solutions with remote access capabilities continue to increase globally, the benefits across different vertical applications continue to become more evident.” Videoloft Use Cases Quick service restaurants (QSR) and retail chains are benefitting from Videoloft’s innovative cloud video surveillance platform as a secure, centralized, and long-term video storage solution. It allows them to easily consolidate video from multiple sites and add cloud storage, eliminating the risk of lost footage due to theft or tampering of onsite recorders. Videoloft also provides QSR and retail chains with a way to store video for up to 3+ years, much longer than is possible on conventional NVRs, to protect them from liabilities associated with injury and insurance claims, and shrinkage. Battery or solar-powered solution For locations that lack power and wired internet infrastructure, such as construction sites, vacant properties, and agricultural locations, traditional video surveillance often isn’t feasible, and guards are needed to ensure security. Videoloft provides an alternative solution that can be battery or solar-powered and connected via a 4G wireless router. Videoloft’s software constantly monitors the network conditions and deploys dynamic frame rate, bit rate, and resolution adjustment when necessary to ensure that footage is sent and recorded even in poor network conditions. Remote management   The Videoloft solution provides site managers with the versatility to remotely manage employees, deliveries, and health and safety protocols. Videoloft’s timelapse feature makes it easy to track development over days, weeks, and months Videoloft's video analytics technology enables highly specific alerting options and smart video search, making it fast and easy to locate specific events. Videoloft’s timelapse feature also makes it easy to track development over days, weeks, and months, and to share this progress with customers.  Audio and alarm features Videoloft is a great solution for education campuses. The platform provides campus security teams with the ability to easily monitor sites even when they are split across multiple locations. With features such as PTZ control, 2-way-audio, and alarm triggering there are many ways to detect, track and address unwanted visitors. Real-time monitoring Cannabis farms and dispensaries can leverage Videoloft’s cloud video surveillance solution to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements. In many states, it is mandatory to record 24/7 video both locally and offsite. Videoloft’s live camera health monitoring functionality ensures problems are spotted in real-time so they can be rapidly diagnosed and resolved, eliminating the possibility of lost video. User-friendly software solution Videoloft is also providing integrators and dealers with a new potential source of RMR. Videoloft’s simple setup, affordable cloud plans, and user-friendly software allow integrators to offer SMBs and the high-end residential market a highly cost-competitive product, even when compared to DIY solutions that typically employ Wi-Fi cameras that are inherently less secure. Users can set alerting and recording schedules and easily playback and download video through the Videoloft app, and assign multiple users with read-only or full admin access to all or specific cameras, depending on their requirements.

Quantum Corporation announced software veteran Ross Fujii will advance the company’s transformation and growth strategy by stepping into a new role as General Manager of Emerging Markets and Product Marketing. Fujii’s extensive experience in data management and analytics and creating and implementing modern software distribution models for Fortune 500 companies will further enable Quantum’s business shift – from a hardware appliance vendor to a subscription and as-a-Service company that provides comprehensive data management and analysis solutions. Fujii will focus on growing Quantum’s reach into emerging markets, primarily video surveillance and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Seasoned professional “When we were looking for the right person to fill this critical role, we knew that what we needed was not necessarily a storage expert, but a seasoned professional with demonstrated success in software distribution models, data analytics, cloud, and market expansion,” said Jamie Lerner, CEO, Quantum. Ross demonstrates Quantum’s commitment to becoming a best-in-class software company " “Bringing Ross Fujii into our executive team demonstrates Quantum’s commitment to becoming a best-in-class software company. We are quickly evolving into a company that enables organizations in digital transformation, not only in the markets we’ve traditionally served but in markets that are just beginning to embrace the power of data and harness it to drive the business forward.” Fujii has been instrumental in major global marketplace transformations throughout his career. Having held key leadership positions in start-ups and large, established corporations, his breadth of experience is ideal for a company that is engaged to grow emerging markets. Providing data solutions “I’m excited to take on this challenge and utilize my experience in software, data management, and data analysis to guide my new team in providing the data solutions and buying models today’s companies critically need to be competitive,” said Fujii. “Quantum is already on a great trajectory; our demonstrated proficiency in orchestrating massive amounts of data for the media and entertainment industry is a unique differentiator as we apply our expertise to industries with similar data challenges.” Ross Fujii  Fujii most recently served as Vice President of Engineering and Alliances at SolarWinds, a leading IT management software company, where he was charged with providing enterprises with customer-centric, modern data management solutions. In addition, he previously served as Vice President of Management and Analytics Software for Seagate Technology, where he built a new software organization to support the company in its early evolution from appliances to cloud solutions. Before Seagate, Fujii held a variety of executive positions at networking giant Cisco, where he leveraged his expertise to drive the company forward and deliver solutions for cloud automation and providing software-as-a-service.

As technology develops at an ever-faster rate, the possibilities for where and how new innovations can be used are endless. The property sector is one such area where new technology, such as smarter video surveillance, is being used to improve the quality of life for families and communities by increasing security as well as implementing changes based on new insights. Specifically for the coliving movement, cloud-based video surveillance is helping operators to improve the communal spaces for their tenants in ways that on-premises surveillance never could. From tighter security measures to better social spaces, here’s how coliving is benefitting from the PropTech (property technology) boom. What is coliving? The coliving movement is the latest iteration of a recurring human trend. The act of communally sharing space and resources while benefiting from a supportive community is something we’ve seen time and again throughout history. A place that everyone can call home addresses multiple needs. With the concept of shared spaces, and the possibility to work and socialize together, it’s no longer simply a trend. Specifically for the coliving movement, cloud-based video surveillance is helping operators to improve the communal spaces for their tenants in ways that on-premises surveillance never could. As living expenses become ever higher, for many – particularly younger – people getting on the property ladder is difficult, and renting an apartment alone can feel isolating. Coliving spaces offer a ready-built community, and many responsibilities – like maintenance, for example – lie with the building owners, and the cost is included. Where does PropTech come in? PropTech is dramatically changing the way people research, rent, buy, sell and manage property. The combination of the internet, huge compute power, cloud platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) have all combined to create technologies that are transforming the way the entire property sector works. Whether that’s helping buildings to operate more efficiently or even become more sustainable, PropTech is a sector that’s on the rise. When it comes to coliving, PropTech is helping to make these environments safer and smarter for the people who live there. One of the fundamental areas of building design is people’s safety. Following the past year where health has been at the forefront of everyone’s minds, PropTech is enabling entrance systems with touchless doorways and innovative ventilation systems, for example. And even without taking the pandemic into consideration, people living in shared spaces need to be confident that the security is well-managed, and the management wants to ensure that only tenants and their guests can enter the premises. How cloud video surveillance drives better coliving Once seen as an ‘add-on’ to building design, video surveillance and access control are now becoming increasingly important elements of the PropTech movement, and they are equally as desirable for coliving too. Surveillance cameras are essentially sensors that can monitor activity, patterns, and any other changes in a given environment. Analysis of video data can occur in real-time to effect changes immediately, or video can be stored and evaluated at a later date. In a co-living environment, a cloud-based video surveillance system can help operators to understand how tenants use their space, and implement changes to benefit them. Traditionally, video surveillance data stored on-premises had limited uses, as it was often only accessed after a security incident, such as a break-in. The video therefore wouldn’t be used frequently and the camera and storage system would just be another cost not yielding any ROI. Cloud technology has had a dramatic impact on video surveillance. Remote management delivers the ability to modify, adjust and perfect the system without needing to be present at the site, while remote monitoring alerts operators to any unusual incidents such as an equipment malfunction or breakage. In a co-living environment, a cloud-based video surveillance system can help operators to understand how tenants use their space, and implement changes to benefit them. For example, surveillance can show operators which areas in the communal spaces are frequented the most and at what times, including areas such as the laundry room or gym where space might be limited. By using AI to analyze the video, operators can use insights from it to improve the existing set up wherever possible, and also learn lessons about how to better design future coliving spaces. In today’s world, this technology can also help to keep everyone safe and healthy. Cameras can identify if someone is wearing a face mask as they go to enter a building and deny entry until they put one on. Thermal cameras are another easy tool to screen people for an elevated temperature before they even enter a communal space. Though a raised temperature does not mean you have COVID-19, the technology can provide an initial screening, so that individuals with elevated temperature readings can be checked manually for other symptoms or possibly be recommended for a test. The future of smart living Coliving is not a new phenomenon – humans have been living in communal places for many years, working and socializing together for the benefit of everyone. What makes today’s coliving movement unique is the range of rapidly developing technology that is being implemented to improve the environments for tenants. As an arguably lower cost and higher quality way of life, coliving spaces are certainly here to stay, and so the PropTech surge is no doubt going to grow with it.

Human beings have a long-standing relationship with privacy and security. For centuries, we’ve locked our doors, held close our most precious possessions, and been wary of the threats posed by thieves. As time has gone on, our relationship with security has become more complicated as we’ve now got much more to be protective of. As technological advancements in security have got smarter and stronger, so have those looking to compromise it. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity, however, is still incredibly new to humans when we look at the long relationship that we have with security in general. As much as we understand the basics, such as keeping our passwords secure and storing data in safe places, our understanding of cybersecurity as a whole is complicated and so is our understanding of the threats that it protects against. However, the relationship between physical security and cybersecurity is often interlinked. Business leaders may find themselves weighing up the different risks to the physical security of their business. As a result, they implement CCTV into the office space, and alarms are placed on doors to help repel intruders. Importance of cybersecurity But what happens when the data that is collected from such security devices is also at risk of being stolen, and you don’t have to break through the front door of an office to get it? The answer is that your physical security can lose its power to keep your business safe if your cybersecurity is weak. As a result, cybersecurity is incredibly important to empower your physical security. We’ve seen the risks posed by cybersecurity hacks in recent news. Video security company Verkada recently suffered a security breach as malicious attackers obtained access to the contents of many of its live camera feeds, and a recent report by the UK government says two in five UK firms experienced cyberattacks in 2020. Cloud computing – The solution Cloud stores information in data centres located anywhere in the world, and is maintained by a third party Cloud computing offers a solution. The cloud stores your information in data centres located anywhere in the world and is maintained by a third party, such as Claranet. As the data sits on hosted servers, it’s easily accessible while not being at risk of being stolen through your physical device. Here’s why cloud computing can help to ensure that your physical security and the data it holds aren’t compromised. Cloud anxiety It’s completely normal to speculate whether your data is safe when it’s stored within a cloud infrastructure. As we are effectively outsourcing our security by storing our important files on servers we have no control over - and, in some cases, limited understanding of - it’s natural to worry about how vulnerable this is to cyber-attacks. The reality is, the data that you save on the cloud is likely to be a lot safer than that which you store on your device. Cyber hackers can try and trick you into clicking on links that deploy malware or pose as a help desk trying to fix your machine. As a result, they can access your device and if this is where you’re storing important security data, then it is vulnerable. Cloud service providers Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software in the personal computer Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software that is likely in place on your personal computer. Hyperscalers such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Service (AWS) are able to hire countless more security experts than any individual company - save the corporate behemoth - could afford. These major platform owners have culpability for thousands of customers on their cloud and are constantly working to enhance the security of their platforms. The security provided by cloud service providers such as Claranet is an extension of these capabilities. Cloud resistance Cloud servers are located in remote locations that workers don’t have access to. They are also encrypted, which is the process of converting information or data into code to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, cloud infrastructure providers like ourselves look to regularly update your security to protect against viruses and malware, leaving you free to get on with your work without any niggling worries about your data being at risk from hackers. Data centres Cloud providers provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and AI Additionally, cloud providers are also able to provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and artificial intelligence, as well as data redundancy, where the same piece of data is held within several separate data centres. This is effectively super-strong backup and recovery, meaning that if a server goes down, you can access your files from a backup server. Empowering physical security with cybersecurity By storing the data gathered by your physical security in the cloud, you're not just significantly reducing the risk of cyber-attacks, but also protecting it from physical threats such as damage in the event of a fire or flood. Rather than viewing your physical and cybersecurity as two different entities, treat them as part of one system: if one is compromised, the other is also at risk. They should work in tandem to keep your whole organization secure.

The return to the workplace is a focal point for many in the built environment but one of the most important elements is easy to overlook. Guest services will be vital in the return to the workplace. Front-of-house teams will be responsible for welcoming building users back and reassuring them as they negotiate shared spaces in the post-Covid era. The workplace will inevitably look different after Covid. We have become more aware of our spaces, how clean they are, and what spaces building users share. Employees have also become more conscious of the pros and cons of the workplace. For some, a year of working from home has been a welcome break from the stress and time taken by a commute. Many organizations are considering moving to hybrid workplace approaches, downsizing their corporate real estate portfolio, and using shared spaces more consciously, be that for focussed quiet work or collaboration. We will also see heightened care in workplace cleaning and more data-led solutions. Front-of-house teams will be at the center of helping building users get used to these changes. The role of technology Front-of-house personnel will likely be responsible for ensuring buildings do not exceed safe occupancy levels and will be aided by visitor management systems.  Another change to look out for in the workplace will be the use of technology. Tech-led organizations have long reminded us that gut instinct and trusting our senses is not enough anymore, but Covid-19 has forced us to come to terms with this. Now that adopting technology has become crucial in cleaning, we will see a reticence to adopt it elsewhere fade too. A survey from McKinsey suggests that the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of technologies by several years. Why is this important for guest services? Much like other workplace changes, new technologies will alter how building users interact with their environment. Tech will also enable front-of-house teams to focus on the key ingredient of their role – human interaction. This will be vital in helping occupants feel comfortable, safe, and happy. Occupancy and visitor management systems These systems have been around in the workplace for many years, and pre-Covid were used to help us maximize our space and utilization. These systems are even more important as we are likely to see some return to the workplace before everyone has been vaccinated. We may see systems that contact only those occupants in an affected area of a building, rather than a whole workforce, to limit worry and ensure most people can remain confident in the hygiene of their workspace. For the rest of 2021 at least, precautions such as social distancing will need to be in place. Workplaces will continue to function at limited occupancy for some time to keep people safe. Front-of-house personnel will likely be responsible for ensuring buildings do not exceed safe occupancy levels and will be aided by visitor management systems. These may be used by individual organizations or by multi-tenanted buildings. Temperature checks and identity verification systems Organizations are mitigating risks where possible. Handheld digital thermometers have been in high demand. The use of such devices has reshaped the role of security officers over the past year. Officers have become familiar faces in shops and shared spaces, keeping people safe and acting as the first point of contact. The security sector has been placed under immense pressure, balancing the need to enforce precautions with responding to stressed building users in an empathetic way. Officers have demonstrated agility that security technology cannot replace. Post-pandemic, we will likely see a greater appreciation for what manned guarding can offer and a greater potential for officers in front of house roles. Front-of-House staff are becoming responsible for temperature verification. Some organizations may choose to increase the collaboration between their front-of-house and security teams. This could include implementing identity verification systems, as well as touchless systems. This will allow the focus of front-of-house teams to remain on the people and giving a warm welcome to users as they return to the office. Using monitoring to make guest services more available  Monitoring solutions may be the first things that come to mind when discussing security technology. We have seen an increasing trend toward integrating remote monitoring with manned guarding since before the pandemic. Such a move may be even more important now.Beyond keeping employees safe, guest services are going to play a central role in making the workplace an attractive option. For many organizations, the pandemic has forced a rapid switch in focus. Organizations have had to face the security challenges of caring for vacant premises and the additional complications of managing cybersecurity for remote work. Rebalancing the cost and focus of security may feel as though it has left some businesses without the capacity to utilize front-of-house officers. Yet when employees return to the workplace, front-of-house teams will be more important than ever. For those that did not do so during the pandemic, now is the time to be investing in effective monitoring solutions. The falling cost of technology means such a solution can be combined with manned guarding and front-of-house roles. Organizations may need to invest in fewer officers, but their roles can be more focused upon the occupant experience. Encouraging employees back Beyond keeping employees safe, guest services are going to play a central role in making the workplace an attractive option. Remote working has had both pros and cons but many of those downsides will be diminished with the end of the pandemic. Loneliness will no longer be such a challenge when seeing friends and neighbours is an option, and the return of children and partners to school and work will relieve distractions. It may be tempting, then, for many employees to continue working from home. As a result, many opportunities for collaborative work will be lost. For employers looking to encourage their workforce to return, creating an amazing workplace experience is key. Technology alone can’t offer this. Rather, too much tech could create an environment that feels clinical and impersonal. Use technology to streamline the boring or stressful elements of the workplace and invest in friendly faces who will welcome your workforce back.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a double challenge to physical security systems integrators. For one thing, they have had to adapt their own businesses to survive and thrive during the pandemic. On the other hand, they have also been faced with new challenges to serve their customer’s changing needs. Global pandemic effects One integrator company, North American Video (NAV) took the now-familiar steps most companies confronted to adapt their business model to operations in a global pandemic – they suspended all non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings. At one point, NAV had a single employee in the New Jersey headquarters and another one in the Las Vegas office. The rest worked from home, with other offices opening as needed over the following weeks. Another integrator, Convergint Technologies, was able to adapt its approach to the pandemic, location by location, across the United States. The integrator benefitted from its leadership structure, with local managers in various regions who are autonomous and could react to what was happening in each region. Virtual workforce “We saw a dip in April and May, but since then, we have seen business pick back up,” said Mike Mathes, Executive Vice President, Convergint Technologies. The Business of Integration virtual conference sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA) “We already had tools and infrastructure deployed to support a virtual workforce. We had the software and the right equipment, and that has allowed us some flexibility to approach the repopulation of our offices in a gradual way.” The impact of COVID-19 on integrators and their customers was the main topic of discussion at a session on The Business of Integration at the Securing New Ground virtual conference sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA). Remote monitoring North American Video also benefitted from having technical personnel spread across the United States. By assigning work duties on the basis of geography, they could travel by car with less risk than air travel. They also increased their use of remote monitoring and support to avoid extra visits to customer sites. With 80% of the business in the gaming industry, North American Video saw a profound impact on their customers with the almost complete shutdown of casinos during the early days of the pandemic. Even though gaming was impacted particularly badly by the virus, NAV stayed engaged working on four or five large casino construction projects that continued throughout the shutdown. Revenue shortfalls State legislatures will approve more casinos to help plug the holes in their budgets Other casinos took advantage of empty facilities to make needed upgrades without worrying about disrupting casino operations. “A lot of our strong, long-term clients have sought to perform upgrades during the downtime, including needed service and maintenance,” said Jason Oakley, President and CEO, North American Video (NAV). “When gaming was closed, you were allowed in the facilities to work.” Oakley also sees long-term optimism for the casino business, which will offer a means for state and local governments to make up revenue shortfalls. “State legislatures will approve more casinos to help plug the holes in their budgets,” Oakley predicted. Demands for technology Oakley and NAV have seen an evolution in customer demands for technology in light of the pandemic. The trick is to differentiate between demand that is an immediate reaction versus technology trends that have more staying power.  Although customers were keen on purchasing thermal cameras, for example, NAV did the research and recommended against the use of the technology to some of their customers. Artificial Intelligence for social distancing The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for a variety of applications seems to have more staying power. “One area of interest at a high level is modification and repurposing of AI for face mask detection, social distancing and people tracing, including integration into existing cameras,” said Oakley. “If the hospitality industry comes to terms with the new normal with smaller restaurant capacities, there may be an opportunity to use AI for social distancing.” Contact tracing and visitor management technology Mathes of Convergint sees a massive change as customers move toward managed services, accelerating the change with new use cases. We have an entire group that focuses on new solutions and what customers are looking for" As offices seek to repopulate when the pandemic subsides, customers are looking for new uses of existing technologies, added Mathes. “We have an entire group that focuses on new solutions and what customers are looking for,” he said. “They need to understand who is in the building and where they go in the building. If we know someone was only in the cafeteria from 10 to 11 a.m., we can know who was in the cafeteria at that time.” Opportunity for vertical markets to move forward He predicts technologies for contact tracing and visitor management tracking who’s in the building and where will be around for a long time to come. "Various customers and vertical markets are looking at the slowdown differently," said Mathes. "For example, while airlines have slowed down, the view from the airport market is more long-term." “They have 15-year plans, and [the slowdown] is an opportunity to move forward. In the technology space, data centers are expanding. “We try to focus our resources on areas where the money is being spent,” said Mathes. “Our K-12 group has seen an 80% growth over 2019. The money is tied to bonds, so there hasn’t been a slowdown relative to revenue.” He said Convergint is cautiously optimist about 2021.”

J.D. Power is a well-known name when it comes to measuring customer satisfaction, and they have been measuring satisfaction in the home security industry since 2016. Changes affecting the marketplace – both in terms of disruptors and technology – make this a unique time. For example, in 2019, J.D. Power expanded the Home Security Satisfaction Study to not only measure the traditional pro-install/pro-monitor companies, but to separately evaluate self-install/pro-monitor brands.  “At J.D. Power our rankings are meant to support an industry in two key ways,” says Christina Cooley, J.D. Power's Director, @Home Intelligence. “First, we provide consumers who are shopping for products and services with a ‘report card’ of who provides customers with high levels of customer satisfaction. Second, we provide companies with actionable insights to help them prioritize their initiatives to improve and maintain high levels of customers satisfaction that drive loyalty and growth.” Differentiating between companies The traditional Pro-Install/Pro-Monitor companies are challenged to differentiate from one another In home security, J.D. Power is in a unique position to report on the changes taking place in the evolving industry. The 2019 rankings show that the traditional Pro-Install/Pro-Monitor companies are challenged to differentiate from one another, as each have their individual strengths and opportunities, but overall the score range is relatively tight. On the do-it-yourself (DIY) side, there is more differentiation. A set of brands has been able to challenge the traditional industry by achieving extremely high customer satisfaction levels. Price is always an important factor that impacts customer satisfaction, whether for security or another market J.D. Power serves. The equation is simple, says Cooley: Does the price paid equal the value the customer feels they have received from the product or service? “For Home Security, we didn’t specifically look at price until this year,” says Cooley. “With the changes that have occurred in the market, price can be a differentiator as we’ve seen with the emergence of DIY-installed systems. However, lower pricing does not have a direct relationship to quality of service.” The price factor For example, there are some higher-priced pro-installed brands that perform lower on customer satisfaction than lower-priced competitors. And DIY-installed systems as a whole are less expensive, and price is the customer satisfaction driver in which the DIY segment most outperforms the pro segment.  Price is the customer satisfaction driver in which the DIY segment most outperforms the pro segment The equation is: Performance minus Expectations equals Customer Satisfaction.  “Obviously, price point will be a factor in the purchase decision and the expectations the customer has about the product and service,” says Cooley. “Any pro or DIY system has the opportunity to differentiate the customer experience regardless of price point.” There are clear differences in the pro vs. DIY experience, which is why J.D. Power evaluates the brands in separate rankings. However, Cooley says the drivers of satisfaction are consistent across both groups.  The key to each group goes back to the equation above.  Evaluating the purchase process For the both pro and DIY companies, J.D. Power evaluates the purchase process the same. Though the customer may take a different path to purchase based on the offering they seek, the drivers are still the same: Usefulness of information provided Reasonableness of contract terms Professionalism of sales representative Ease of purchasing home security system. For installation, there are clear differences. DIY systems are evaluated based on: Ease of completing installation Quality of installation instructions provided Timeliness of receiving home security system. Pro systems are evaluated based on: Professionalism of technician Timeliness of completing installation Quality of work performed. Interestingly, purchase and installation are the customer satisfaction driver where both pro and DIY providers (as a whole) are most closely aligned on performance. Customer loyalty The price a customer is paying must align with the quality of the system they receive What drives a customer to purchase a home security system initially will often be very different than what will keep them as a loyal customer, Cooley notes. The price a customer is paying must align with the quality of the system they receive, and the service provided through the professional monitoring and customer service. “With the expansion of home security offerings, it’s more important than ever for home security companies to understand the motivations, intentions, and usage patterns across different customer segments to ensure that regardless of the decision to go pro or DIY-install, they are able to meet their customers’ needs and differentiate in the very competitive market. The J.D. Power Home Security Study provides these actionable insights.” The study is focused on the companies/brands that comprise the top two-thirds of market share in each segment, pro and DIY installed. A number of the brands included may work with local dealers or retailers for sales and install, but the customer is essentially evaluating those services as part of the system purchased. It is one and the same from the customer’s perspective, and the sales/install process can either delight or frustrate a customer from the beginning, which can then set the foundation for the entire experience moving forward. Reasons for shopping for a security system tend to differ between pro and DIY shoppers: Both sets are most focused on wanting a newer, more up-to-date system Between the two, pro customers are more often moving into a new home or wanting to take advantage of a discount or bundling opportunity with other products For DIY customers, they are shopping for a system to give them more peace of mind and to protect their property. Reasons for selecting the provider also vary: A pro company is often selected based on brand reputation or a special offer/promo A DIY company is primarily chosen based on price or a positive review. In terms of brand image, we see that customers see both pro and DIY providers similarly in terms of reliability. However, when it comes to being customer-driven, DIY providers receive higher image ratings compared to pro-installed companies.

Private video systems are offering new sources of evidence for police investigations. Growing popularity of private camera registration schemes are facilitating police department access to video captured by cameras in homes and businesses for use in their investigations. Camera registration programs are organized locally by individual police departments but have common features and operation. By registering their camera systems, citizens and business people provide information to a confidential database listing any cameras police can quickly access in the event of a crime. Knowing which cameras may be near a crime scene avoids police having to go door-to-door in search of possible video footage.   Because perpetrators are more careful and aware of possible video coverage in and around a crime scene, video to solve a crime may also come from a camera several blocks away. The best evidence may not be of the crime scene itself but video of nearby pathways and streets. Today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation Ability To Record And Retain Video Access to cameras can also provide additional viewing angles to provide police new leads such as type of car, clothing, etc. Another benefit is possible use of a camera’s view to help locate lost children, elderly or disabled persons. In addition to actual video, today’s camera systems also provide information such as location, date and time that can help an investigation or be used as evidence in court. Basic requirements for participating video systems are exterior-facing cameras and the ability to record and retain video. It is important to note that registering a camera system with a local police department does not provide active surveillance or a “live feed” of video. Video is only shared after a crime has been committed and when the police request specific video as possible evidence. Registration Of Camera Systems Is Voluntary Registration merely enables a police department to know where accessible cameras are located. Police then arrange viewing of video footage after the fact by communicating with the camera owners; if a police visit to a residence might pose an additional risk for any reason, camera video today can often be accessed remotely. Registration of camera systems is voluntary; a state-wide proposal in New Jersey in 2015 calling for mandatory camera registration faced privacy backlash and was later amended to make registration voluntary. Collected information is typically the name of the camera owner, contact information, an address where the cameras are located; how many cameras are at the location, the area recorded by the cameras and how the footage is saved. Police arrange viewing of video footage by communicating with the camera owners Residential Security Camera Portland, Oregon, launched its CrimeReports camera registration program in 2017, part of its wider effort to get residents involved in fighting crime. In Philadelphia, the police department has been registering cameras since 2011 under its SafeCam program. The Philadelphia Department of Commerce offers a payment, up to $3,000, to reimburse business owners who install cameras and register them with the police. Camera registration is yielding results. Baltimore’s Citiwatch camera registration system has had a direct impact on criminal apprehension. The San Luis Obispo, California, Police Department reports a high success rate identifying suspects in cases where additional video evidence exists because of the camera registration program. In Fort Worth, Texas, last May, a residential security camera played a role in capturing a kidnapping suspect. Privacy Concerns And Community Feedback Many of the camera registration schemes have localized branding or acronyms, such as the S.C.R.A.M. (Security Camera Registration and Mapping) program of Milton, Georgia; the C.A.P.T.U.R.E. (Community and Police Team Up to Record Evidence) program of New Braunfels, Texas; or the RockView program of Rockville, Maryland. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs Privacy concerns and community feedback prompted Vancouver, Washington, to suspend a camera registration program for weeks until it could be re-launched earlier this year. Although cities seek to protect information about the locations of cameras, it might be subject to disclosure because of public records laws. Law Enforcement And Crime Prevention Registration of cameras is another aspect of involving the community in law enforcement and crime prevention, not unlike the commonplace Neighborhood Watch programs. The idea is based on willing participation of public citizens in helping law enforcement do their jobs. Making video footage available provides important evidence in much the same way a witness to a crime would hopefully testify if asked. By multiplying the availability of cameras that could view elements of a possible crime, the idea is also akin to the modern concept of “crowdsourcing” – the practice of obtaining information or input by enlisting a large number of people. Local jurisdictions stipulate that registrants in the program should not be construed as agents and/or employees of the police department. There is also a crime prevention element to the programs, in addition to helping police do their jobs better and more efficiently. Some camera registration programmes provide stickers or yard signs to let the neighborhood know that their security cameras are helping to fight local crime.

Congress Rental Network Partner, Smart Choice Audiovisuais (Smart Choice), has installed a large Dicentis conferencing and interpretation system from Bosch Security Systems GmbH, at the Centro Cultural de Belém, the Portuguese EU Presidency Headquarters, situated in Lisbon, Portugal. A total of 70 Dicentis and 50 Dicentis Wireless Discussion devices with touchscreens provide the main input. Dicentis Wireless Discussion devices The solution can be used to deliver in-person meetings at the venue, as well as remote and hybrid meetings, so as to overcome the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The core of the discussion and interpretation system is identical across all three of the rooms – the main plenary hall, a smaller meeting room and a press room – only varying in the number of discussion devices. “One of the requests from the EU presidency was to have the latest interpretation equipment – the latest models and the most up-to-date technology,” explains Patricia Barbosa, from the Marketing Department of Smart Choice. Bosch’s discussion and interpretation system We have always invested a lot in having modern equipment, so we were the best equipped for the job" Patricia adds, “We have always invested a lot in having modern equipment, so we were the best equipped for the job. Added to that, our CEO Manuel Lopes has been involved in all the previous Presidencies that took place in Portugal and Spain and we have a history of delivering big events with complex logistics. We offered quality and trusted service and very good technicians who have the latest Bosch certifications.” The solution also needed to be able to connect to external streaming platforms to allow remote meetings to include participants that were not able to travel to Portugal. The wired units make up the main systems in the three rooms while the wireless solution adds flexibility when required. Dicentis Interpreter desks with video output In addition to this, simultaneous interpretation is catered for by 20 interpretation booths, featuring the ISO 20109 compliant Dicentis Interpreter desks with video output. With the Dicentis System server acting as the brain of the system, remote participants can be connected into the meeting thanks to the Omneo2Dante Gateway. This Dante gateway allows for audio distribution to various streaming platforms, such as Zoom and WebEx, as well as floor distribution between rooms for socially distanced meetings. In addition to the on-site equipment, six remote booths have been created to function as an interpretation hub away from the Presidency HQ. Communications hub Instead of interpreters traveling with delegations to Presidency meetings in different cities, or asking them to use a standard office set up that they could have at home, this hub provides them with high-quality language-feeds, with the Dicentis Interpreter desks located at the Smart Choice office buildings. As such, interpretation can continue for meetings away from the Lisbon HQ as if the translators were there in person.

Hanwha Techwin a global supplier of IP and analog video surveillance solutions announced that We-Ko-Pa Casino Resort has selected Hanwha cameras for its new state-of-the-art video surveillance system. First established as a bingo-hall style building by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the early 1990s, the facility received approval to be revamped into a fully-fledged gaming facility in 2017. To ensure the safety of staff and visitors, this also included a new video surveillance system. Quality cameras When it came time to build the new facility, the Tribal Regulatory Agency, having learned from its earlier attempts, knew they had to find a vendor that wouldn’t let them down. Explains Lee Brown, Lead Surveillance Technician for the Fort McDowell Tribal Regulatory Agency, “We were looking for a manufacturer that had a variety of camera offerings to give us what we wanted and that also had a good reputation for quality.” They found what they were looking for with Hanwha Techwin. Camera coverage The cameras available from Hanwha Techwin enabled them to choose the right camera for every situation The number of cameras available from Hanwha Techwin was a key differentiator for the We-Ko-Pa Resort as it enabled them to choose the right camera for every situation. The range of options was especially important when it came time to design camera coverage for the slot floor in the new facility. This area proved to be challenging in part because it was designed to be flexible and modular. The new design allows the Casino to be dynamic in terms of where they place machines. The challenge then was how to ensure coverage of every machine even as they move around daily. Flexible 4k cameras They initially considered attaching cameras to the ‘cloud’ ceiling so that they could be moved as the configuration changed. But, because it floats below a concrete ceiling, this was not possible. The Casino decided instead to use the higher resolution P series 4K cameras and place them strategically throughout the space. Says Brown, “We had to give very careful consideration to where we placed our cameras. We wanted high quality and flexibility to avoid having to reconfigure and reinstall cameras all the time. The image quality with the Hanwha Techwin cameras gave us the edge we needed to work within our ceiling constraints.” WDR technology The new Casino has over 800 Hanwha Techwin cameras, including the XNV-8080R, PNV-9080R, and PNF-9010R models The new Casino has over 800 Hanwha Techwin cameras, including the XNV-8080R, PNV-9080R, and PNF-9010R models. According to Brown, their favorite feature is the quality they deliver at low bitrates. He says, “The majority of our cameras face intense and volatile lighting changes against a backdrop of complex scenery with many moving objects. Hanwha Techwin cameras and their advanced WDR (Wide Dynamic Range) technology can easily be configured to accommodate these conditions without sacrificing quality or producing obnoxious data streams.” Wisenet wave VMS While part of the interest in Hanwha Techwin was based on the build and image quality of the cameras and variety of the offerings, the Casino was also drawn to the Wisenet WAVE VMS (Video Management System). Says Brown, “We were attracted to the WAVE VMS because our virtualized server and client operating systems are 100% Linux based, and the WAVE client and server applications are well supported on Linux. It works exceptionally well with the Hanwha Techwin cameras and other devices, like HDMI encoders and third-party cameras.” Live central monitoring WAVE also helps operators with live monitoring. As part of their daily routines, operators at the Casino have to actively watch a variety of events and occurrences, including deliveries and vendors on site. Says Brown, “The layout system in WAVE makes it easy for us to organize our cameras into groups. So, when an operator follows someone through the Casino, rather than thinking in terms of which camera covers which machine or specific area, they think more in terms of the geography of the location.” Motion detection To reduce the storage requirements for video surveillance footage, they use motion-based high/low recording Every casino must comply with strict retention requirements in part because forensic examination and maintaining a clear chain of custody are extremely important. At the We-Ko-Pa Resort, they have a one-week minimum retention rate with some cameras keeping video for 30 days. Currently, We-Ko-Pa has 500 terabytes (TB) of redundant ZFS-based network storage. To reduce the storage requirements for video surveillance footage, they use motion-based high/low recording. Explains Brown, “We use motion detection to save on storage. If no motion is detected in a frame, the camera is set up to record at very low quality and low frame rate. If the camera detects motion, then the recording automatically shifts to high-quality mode.” Video surveillance system Moving forward, the Casino is excited about future possibilities for their system, including people counting and using their WAVE VMS to make data-driven decisions. The Casino and Tribal Regulatory Agency aren’t the only ones who recognize the outstanding features and functionality of their new Hanwha Techwin system. The Arizona Department of Gaming, which provides specific mandates for gaming operators in the state, is also impressed. According to Brown, “We have even received compliments for our video surveillance system from the state inspector who was quite impressed with the image quality and the smoothness of the recordings.”

HID Global, a pioneer in trusted identity solutions announced that the Arcos Bosques Torre 1 (Tower 1) has deployed its access control solutions to heighten security and better manage visitor entry.  Located in the Bosques de las Lomas neighborhood of Mexico City, the center is comprised of six buildings. The complex includes two skyscrapers and is home to high-profile law firms, industrial, mining, media, and technology companies, and one of the city’s most recognized shopping centers. HID readers and smart card technologies With the help of system integrator Logen, Arcos Bosques Corporate Center chose HID Mobile Access® solutions as well as HID readers and smart card technologies for tenants and visitors to securely pass through its 16 turnstiles and use the 32 elevators that lead to their offices. The HID solutions also give tenants the choice of using their mobiledevices or physical smart cards for entry. Touchless and safe entry  HID’s mobile access solution enables administrators to remotely manage credentials by cloud-based infrastructure “Accessing the building by simply presenting a mobile phone makes a lot of sense as we look for ways to eliminate touching things during the global pandemic,” said Santiago Morett, Project Manager at Servicon, facilities manager for Arcos Bosques. “HID Mobile Access has given us touchless entry and safer building security, which is more important than ever for our tenants.” Mobile access solution HID’s mobile access solution also enables administrators to remotely create, issue, manage and revoke credentials through the cloud-based infrastructure. Servicon, the facility management company for Arcos Bosques, now has continuous building access visibility through a unified, up-to-the-minute database of the tower’s tenant names, affiliated companies, and work locations. "Building security today extends not only to who has access but also to how individuals are able to enter a facility,” said Harm Radstaak, Senior Vice President and Head of Physical Access Control Solutions with HID Global. “HID’s access control solutions provide the foundation for optimal oversight and control while also keeping people healthy and safe.”

BIRD Aerosystems, a globally renowned provider of innovative defense technology and solutions, which protect the air, sea and land fleets of governments and related agencies, has delivered a complete ASIO Maritime Surveillance Task Force Solution to an undisclosed African government. ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution The ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution, provided to the undisclosed African nation, includes multiple Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft that the company converted into Maritime Patrol Aircraft, together with BIRD's advanced mission management system (MSIS), which was also installed on a number of vessels, as well as at the naval HQ command. BIRD Aerosystems' ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution provides customers with an integrated Aerial-Naval-Land solution. It facilitates maritime and coastal surveillance, patrol and survey of borders and strategic assets, and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) monitoring capabilities. Advanced mission management system ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution delivers an extremely powerful and flexible maritime patrol solution Leveraging BIRD's advanced mission management system (MSIS) for complete mission operational support, including planning, execution, debriefing, online mission updates, and complete situational awareness between all segments (airborne, naval and ground) within the task forces, the ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution delivers an extremely powerful, comprehensive and flexible maritime patrol solution, enabling efficient detection, tracking and interception of any suspicious activity at sea. Ronen Factor, the Co-Chief Executive Officer and Founder at BIRD Aerosystems, stated “BIRD's ASIO Maritime Task Force Solution, including the Cessna Citation CJ3 aircraft, will be used to defend the customer's territorial waters, with an emphasis on detecting illegal fishing, oil theft, and smuggling.” He adds, “Rapidly deployed in multiple configurations, ASIO enables even small crews to deliver detailed and comprehensive surveillance information, covering large geographic areas.”

Corero Network Security plc, a provider of real-time, automatic Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) cyber defense solutions, and Juniper Networks, a pioneer in secure, AI-driven networks, team up to provide Plusnet, an organization offering communications and network services to 25,000 businesses in Germany, with their joint DDoS Protection Solution to protect its infrastructure, business, and customers within seconds of a DDoS attack. DDoS protection solution Over the past 20+ years, DDoS attacks have always been a part of the threat landscape, but their frequency, magnitude, and sophistication are constantly increasing. Plusnet, which serves 200 cities and regions of Germany, previously relied on an internal data filtering solution to analyze anomalies in traffic patterns. Plusnet needed DDoS mitigation with effective, and dynamic protection to defend its network from attack-driven outages However, this in-house solution required manual intervention, which was neither practical nor effective as attacks mounted and evolved. Plusnet needed to automate DDoS mitigation with effective, dynamic, and scalable protection to defend its national network from attack-driven outages.  Impact on network performance “During the testing phase of the Juniper-Corero solution, we could immediately see a manageable stream of DDoS attacks. With the Juniper-Corero solution, Plusnet can further improve network protection without any significant impact on network performance,” said Ralf Weber, Head of Competence Center Network & Security, Plusnet. Solution highlights: The joint solution removes malicious traffic at the network edge, as close to the source as possible, delivering fast and effective protection cost-effectively.  Plusnet took an active approach to thwart DDoS attacks with Juniper Networks and Corero Joint DDoS Protection, delivering real-time detection and line-rate mitigation of DDoS attacks, which can identify and block very significant attacks in seconds. Juniper Networks MX Series Universal Routing Platformswork together with Corero SmartWall Threat Defense Director to rapidly identify, precisely detect and automate mitigation of attacks. Analytics and continuous monitoring provide comprehensive visibility of data patterns and anomalies for network security professionals.   As DDoS attacks continue to increase, the protection capacity provided by this solution can be expanded to tens of terabits per second. 24/7 protection from threats “More than ever before, providers need to ensure that their infrastructure and business operations are always available to deliver an exceptional user experience. This can only be achieved when security is built into the same network infrastructure that provides connectivity and extended across every point of connection.” Plusnet is a great example that leverages Juniper Connected Security to enable the threat-aware network " “Plusnet is a great example that leverages Juniper Connected Security to enable the threat-aware network, ensuring its operations are comprehensively protected 24/7 against the growing risk of DDoS attacks,” said Samantha Madrid, Vice President, Security Business & Strategy, Juniper Networks.  SmartWall TDD solution “We are very pleased to continue partnering with Juniper Networks to provide a superior DDoS solution that is now protecting thousands of customers around the globe.” “The SmartWall TDD solution couples Corero’s surgically accurate, real-time automatic DDoS protection with the high-performance packet filtering of Juniper MX Series routers." "This, along with the comprehensive visibility into attacks, enabled Plusnet to implement a cutting-edge solution that can detect and mitigate DDoS attacks in seconds to protect its network and the ones of its customers,” said Lionel Chmilewsky, Chief Executive Officer at Corero Network Security.

The Yunnan black snub-nosed monkey is an endemic species in China. It lives in dark alpine coniferous forests, ranging from 3,500 to 4,200 meters in height. It is also listed as a national level-1 endangered species and one of the 25 most endangered primate species in the world. Currently, more than 70% of Yunnan black snub-nosed monkeys live in and around the Baima Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve, located in Southwest China. 5G digital monitoring system To protect the national rare and endangered species of wild animals and plants, such as Yunnan black snub-nosed monkey, Himalayan bharal, black bear, and taxus wallichiana, the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve joined hands with Dahua Technology in early 2021, to build a 5G digital monitoring system. The Dahua video monitoring system aims to provide accurate observation and research assessment of wildlife, ecological types and biodiversity in the reserve, which can help protect the species living in the area and its ecological balance. Dahua video monitoring solution Recently, Dahua Technology utilized its technological capabilities to help capture the beautiful scenery of fully-bloomed flowers and ecological diversity in the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve. The reserve can use intelligent system to calculate animal population and analyze their activity patterns By utilizing technological capabilities over manpower to continuously monitor 62 species of wildlife – including the Yunnan black snub-nosed monkey – under state key protection, the reserve can use intelligent system to calculate animal population, analyze their activity patterns, and understand their living habits. This solution significantly decreases human intervention and improves wildlife protection, while reducing daily difficulties of rangers at the same time. Intelligent monitoring and early warning system In view of the rare and endangered plants and diverse vegetation resources in the nature reserve, an intelligent monitoring and early warning system with full coverage that meets high altitude requirement is constructed through multi-party surveying. This system can help prevent forest fire damage and control the impact of forest pests, and other harmful organisms in time, providing data support for the construction of ecological civilization. The environment scope of the intelligent monitoring system includes water environment, soil environment, atmospheric environment, noise, etc. The system can perceive in real time, the quality status of various environmental elements and the dynamic changes in pollution, which can help improve the quality and stability of the ecosystem. Automatic identification and detection The solution also enables automatic identification and early warning for illegal activities, such as poaching, illegal logging, overgrazing and illegal collection of forest resources in and around the reserve, to eliminate the influence of human activities and protect the growth of both the animal and plant populations in the wild. It establishes big data of the reserve, and ‘one picture’ management of its environmental protection, which assists scientific decision making and biodiversity research. It also supports the intelligentization and refinement of the environmental protection in the entire reserve.

Many of us take critical infrastructure for granted in our everyday lives. We turn on a tap, flip a switch, push a button, and water, light, and heat are all readily available. But it is important to remember that computerized systems manage critical infrastructure facilities, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks. The recent ransomware attack on the Colonial Pipeline is an example of the new types of threats. In addition, any number of physical attacks is also possibilities. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure?

In the past few weeks, the light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel has brightened, providing new levels of hope that the worst of the pandemic is behind us. Dare we now consider what life will be like after the pandemic is over? Considering the possible impact on our industry, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security technologies will be most useful in a post-pandemic world?

In the digital age, software is a component of almost all systems, including those that drive the physical security market. A trend toward hardware commoditization is making the role of software even more central to providing value to security solutions. Software developments make more things possible and drive innovation in the market. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How do software improvements drive physical security?